Related To:

Larger Than Life

If you never thought you could use concrete tube forms for anything other than concrete column applications, then think again. This year, building supplies are being transformed into colorful and playful Christmas yard decor.

Mark Each Section

To create the look of a nutcracker, paint will need to be applied as four different sections: legs, torso, face and hat. Use a measuring tape and painter's tape to mark off each area. Tip: The torso should be the largest section, then the legs; and the face should be slightly smaller in size than the hat.

Spray-Paint Hat

Turn the concrete form upside down so the hat section is on the ground. With the ground protected by a drop cloth, create the hat by applying spray paint approximately 8 inches from the surface of the form, moving back and forth in controlled spurts.

Spray-Paint Legs

Cover Hat + Legs

Before the torso area can be painted, you'll need to protect the hat and legs from overspray. Do this by wrapping the painted areas with newspaper, then securing the paper around the form using painter's tape. Next, apply spray paint to the taped-off section designated as the torso.

Cover Torso + Hat

With the hat section still masked by newspaper, mask the face section by protecting the torso section with newspaper and painter's tape (once the torso has dried). Apply spray paint to the taped-off section designated as the face.